Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A trocar cannula is disclosed. The trocar cannula comprises a cannula having at least one tab member formed therein. Each tab member is configured to provide a retention force between the cannula and tissue when the tab member is placed in a deformed position. The tab member is selectively moveable between a relaxed position, in which the cannula may be moved with respect to the tissue, and the deformed position, wherein the tab member frictionally engages the tissue.

Abstract: A catheter securement device 100 holds a medical article such as a catheter in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device 100 includes a retainer 102 and a clamp 104. The retainer 102 and clamp 104 include interengaging structure. The interengaging structure may be a ratchet mechanism by which a medical provider tightens the clamp against the retainer. The ratchet mechanism allows a single securement system to be used with medical articles that have different longitudinal lengths as well as medical articles that have distally located contact surfaces. The retainer forms a channel 106 into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. Each of the retainer 102 and the clamp 104 include at least one abutment surface that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: A universal securing device for holding catheters of various shapes and sizes and the like in place includes a base and cover. The cover may be connected to the base by a hinge which allows the cover to be lifted open or pushed down into a closed position, over a catheter fitting. The base may have locating elements configured and arranged to fit around catheter fittings of various sizes, and the locating elements prevent substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The cover may include capture elements which act to grip and compress the catheter fitting when the securing device is in a closed position, thus preventing substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The base may be attached to a patient with an adhesive pad attached to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: A universal securing device for holding catheters of various shapes and sizes and the like in place includes a base and cover. The cover may be connected to the base by a hinge which allows the cover to be lifted open or pushed down into a closed position, over a catheter fitting. The base may have locating elements configured and arranged to fit around catheter fittings of various sizes, and the locating elements prevent substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The cover may include capture elements which act to grip and compress the catheter fitting when the securing device is in a closed position, thus preventing substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The base may be attached to a patient with an adhesive pad attached to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for sealing a catheter insertion site to maintain sterility. In one embodiment, a catheter dressing is provided that includes an adhesive plate configured for attachment to the skin of a patient and a flexible sheath that extends proximally from the adhesive plate. The sheath can be capable of longitudinal extension from a compressed to an extended state and can be configured in its extended state to surround an external segment of a catheter implanted in the patient and circumferentially seal to a portion of the external segment at a distance from the adhesive plate. The dressing can also be configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the catheter while at the same time permitting non-longitudinal movement. One-piece rigid or semi-rigid dressing bodies are also disclosed, as are various methods and devices for facilitating removal and or replacement of a catheter dressing.

Abstract: A securement device for securing a catheter to a patient comprises a pad having adhesive on at least a portion of the bottom surface. A fixed plate and a rotatable adjustable plate are affixed to the pad. The adjustable plate is rotated with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. Posts are on the fixed plate and the adjustable plate to secure a winged catheter. A bracket can be affixed to a fixed plate or an adjustable plate and a cooperating tab can be affixed to the other plate for securing a catheter there between. In a further modification, a base is secured to a pad and a pair of plates is pivotally mounted on the base for rotation with respect to one another. Complementary pawl and ratchet members enable limited rotation of plates with respect to one another and to fix plates in selected adjustment position.

Abstract: Device for securing a line such as a medical tube, a catheter, diagnostic wires etc., the device including a line retaining part and a base part, the line retaining part having at least one groove for accommodating a line, the groove being designed with flexible retaining means, the base part including fixing means, where the line retaining part and the base part are provided with complementary locking means.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fluid container, such as a syringe or a vial, is provided for securing the container in an upside down or other suitable position for use in various medical procedures such as those of the type that involve use of a medical pump. The fluid container holding apparatus is capable of operatively connecting to any of a number of support structures including a wall, ceiling, desk, table, post, hangar, or IV stand. A fluid delivery system including such a fluid container, and a fluid conduit, such as IV tubing, may include the fluid container holding apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter syringe conveyor with a needle guard housing is adapted to facilitate the insertion of a catheter into a targeted blood vessel. A catheter syringe is slidably situated within a hand-held housing structure; a syringe holder that is slidably connected to the housing allows a technician to maneuver the catheter syringe up and down within the housing. At least one stabilizer finger is attached to the bottom of the housing. After a blood vessel is penetrated by the needle of the catheter syringe, the technician maneuvers a catheter pusher to lower the catheter off of the needle and into the blood vessel. After the catheter is inserted, the technician is able to slide the catheter syringe back up within the housing to move the needle within the protective walls of the housing for safety, and a syringe lock holds it there securely for safekeeping.

Abstract: A universal device for securing a catheter on a patient includes a base which optionally has one or more locating elements for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes. The base optionally includes a recessed or flat receiving area defined by locating elements arranged in any configuration suitable to hold or receive a catheter or catheter fitting, e.g., in a tapering or V shaped formation. Additional locating elements may be positioned elsewhere on the base for receiving or holding a flange or wing of a catheter fitting and preventing its movement in various directions. The base optionally has an angled surface to maintain the desired angle for catheters or catheter fittings in a patient. A cover is removably or permanently connected to the base and may optionally have one or more top openings for receiving tabs or extensions of a catheter fitting.

Abstract: A catheter clamp includes a body portion and clamp, the body portion comprising a first location portion which receives a catheter which issues from a patient's skin, a second location portion which causes the catheter to be bent through an arc and a third location portion which guides the catheter to an exit of the clamp, the third location portion comprising side walls which flank the catheter so as to form a close-fitting pathway, the arrangement of the clamp being such that in use the clamp is manually operable and can be caused to adopt a clamping condition in which the clamping portion clamps at least one of that portion of the catheter which is located by the third location portion and that portion of the catheter which is located by the second location portion. The inventive catheter clamp is advantageously of a lower profile than known catheter clamps.

Abstract: An anchoring system provides secure attachment between a portion of a medical article and a body of a patient. The anchoring system comprises a securement device and a first fitting attached to the medical article, the first fitting having a first configuration. Embodiments of the anchoring system also comprise a second fitting attached to the medical article. The second fitting has a second configuration that differs from the first. The securement device includes a mounting surface for attaching the securement device to the patient's body and a receiving area. The receiving area is oriented so as to face away from the patient's body, and includes retainer mechanisms that are capable of engaging one or both of the first and second fittings, which have different configurations.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an esophagus stoma button capable of safely forming and maintaining a stoma hole provided in an esophagus and reducing the discomfortableness of a patient. To achieve the object, in the present invention, the stoma button 9 is comprised of a shaft part 1 and a flange part 2 provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof. More specifically, in the esophagus stoma button 9, a flange part is provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof, and a lumen having a generally circular cross section in the area ranging from the shaft part to the flange part is provided, a means for fixing a catheter for infusion is provided in the flange part with a flat and generally circular shape and a means for tightly closing the opening of the flange part is provided at the opening thereof.

Abstract: A catheter kit for a burrow having a catheter and an obturator and excellent in operability. The catheter comprises a tube having, inside, a nutrient passage leading nutrition or chemicals from the outside of a body to the inside of a stomach and extending along the wall surface of the burrow and a non-balloon type endodwelling member fitted to the tip part of the tube, normally placed in an expanded state and reduced in diameter less than that in the expanded state when an external force acts thereon by the obturator, and indwelled in the stomach in a buried state in a living body. The obturator comprises a guide wire passage detachably engaged with the catheter and allowing a guide wire installed in the obturator ranging from the tip to the midway thereof to be inserted therein and an operation part for transmitting the external force to the endodwelling member fitted to the rear end thereof. The rear end part of the guide wire passage and the operation part are arranged in a separated state.

Abstract: A lesion or fistula isolating bag, the bag defining a first chamber having a closeable entrance and a second chamber for application to a lesion or fistula and wherein access to the second chamber is made through the first chamber via a valve, the valve being arranged to inhibit passage of fluid from the second chamber to the first, and to allow said access from the first chamber to the second, the bag further comprising a closure for said closeable entrance.

Abstract: In a device for the injection of medical preparations, into a patients body during an examination in a Computer Tomograph (CT) or in a Magnetic Resonance Tomograph (MRT) or endoscopically, including an injection needle supported by an injection-needle advancing arrangement for insertion of the injection needle into the patients body and the concurrent injection of medications with a separate dosing apparatus, a hose with a check valve for the one-way transport of the medical preparations from the dosing apparatus into the injection needle, as well as a pressure sensor for monitoring the infusion, the injection needle advancing arrangement comprises a needle holder and a linear drive for the movement of the needle holder in parallel with the injection needle and the dosing apparatus has geometric dimensions and consists of materials permitting its insertion into the CT or MRT together with the patient.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing a lead to a patient's skull is disclosed. The lead is of the type that passes through a burr hole created in the patient's skull and includes a distal end which is implanted within the patient's brain at a target site. The anchor, according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a stem, an integrally formed rim plate, and a peripheral clamping structure. The clamping structure is adapted to receive and snugly hold a portion of the lead. The stem is sized and shaped to fit within the burr hole, leaving the rim plate positioned flush with the patient's skull. A flared passage is provided within the stem and rim plate so that the lead may pass through the stem and into the rim plate, at which point the lead follows the contours of the flared passage and communicates with the peripheral clamping structural.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A universal securing device for holding catheters of various shapes and sizes and the like in place includes a base and cover. The cover may be connected to the base by a hinge which allows the cover to be lifted open or pushed down into a closed position, over a catheter fitting. The base may have locating elements configured and arranged to fit around catheter fittings of various sizes, and the locating elements prevent substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The cover may include capture elements which act to grip and compress the catheter fitting when the securing device is in a closed position, thus preventing substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The base may be attached to a patient with an adhesive pad attached to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for holding and supporting an intravenous catheter are disclosed, wherein the catheter support apparatus is adjustable and can be removed easily and rapidly. The catheter support apparatus includes an elongate member comprising a first end, an opposed second end, and a central portion located between the first end and the second end; a foldable strip member attached to the first end of the elongate member and adapted for movement between an open and a closed position; an attachment element adapted for removeably securing the second end on the elongate member to the inside surface of the strip member; and a closure element adapted for removeably securing the strip member in a closed position wherein the inside surface of the strip member is adapted for slidably engaging and supporting a portion of the exposed segment of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of a catheter into a urinary canal. The assembly includes a package for the catheter and an applicator to be used for guiding the catheter into the urinary canal without touching the catheter by holding the catheter via walls of the applicator. The assembly further comprises clamping means for pressing the walls of the applicator into engagement with the catheter. The present invention further relates to an applicator with integrated clamping means to be used with the assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for providing fluid communication with a hollow viscus at the skin surface. Said device, which comprises a tube integral at its ends with intravisceral (8) and cutaneous (6) support flanges, is characterized in that the tube consists of two parts (2,4) integral with a respective flange (6, 8), mounted axialy mobile for their relative but not spontaneously reversible displacement, the tube part (4) integral with the intravisceral flange (8), comprising external locking means (10, 12, 26) enabling the practitioner to perform said length on the basis of the cumulated thickness of the patient's walls through which it passes.

Abstract: An implantable neurological stimulation lead with improved stylet handle comprises a lead body, at least one conductor, at least one electrical contact, at least one electrode, a stylet wire, and a stylet handle. The lead body has a body proximal end, a body distal end, and a stylet lumen. The conductor is contained in the lead and extends from the body proximal end to the body distal end, and the conductor is electrically insulated. The electrical connector is carried on the body proximal end and electrically connected to the conductor. The electrode is carried on the body distal end and electrically connected to the conductor. The stylet wire is configured for insertion into the stylet lumen to stiffen the lead body. The stylet handle is selectively coupled to the stylet wire. The stylet handle has a lead carrier and at least one gripper carried in the lead carrier configured to grip the lead body at a selected point along the lead body or lead proximal end.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for retaining a cannula or other medical instrument within a body cavity and including an inflatable member selectively disposed between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A mounting assembly is cooperatively disposed and structured with a base, underlying the inflatable member, so as to mechanically attach the inflatable member to an exterior of the cannula. The mechanical attachment is accomplished by one or more retaining segments on the inflatable member being disposed in a compressed or sandwiched orientation between the base and the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A securing tape assembly for securing a tube or a needle to a patient including an elongated tape having outer end portions for adhesive securement to the patient and a central portion which encircles a tube and a clip which is secured the central portion of the tape. The central portion may be a tab or an elongated portion between the end portions. The central portion may have foam material or blue adhesive on the side thereof which engages the tube. Also, the central portion may have hook fabric thereon which is placed into engagement with pile fabric on an end portion which is adhesively secured to the patient. The clip may have movable parts which are moved between open and closed positions or it may be a channel-shaped member.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is (are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a body, a clamp and a cap. The body includes a base portion and a sleeve portion, the base portion being dimensioned to engage the skin of a patient and having a transverse bore, the sleeve portion extending upwardly from the base portion and having a longitudinal slot aligned with the transverse bore and a transverse slot intersecting the longitudinal bore. The clamp, which is slidably mounted on the base portion and across the transverse slot of the sleeve, comprises a plate having a transverse opening. The transverse opening has a wide region alignable with the longitudinal bore and correspondingly dimensioned and a narrow region alignable with the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A device for externally retaining a gastrostomy feeding tube comprises a clip. In one embodiment, the clip is a generally rectangular, unitary structure shaped to include a first end wall, a second end wall spaced apart from and extending parallel to the first end wall, a lower wall extending perpendicularly between and interconnecting the first end wall and the second end wall, and an upper wall having a first end connected to the first end wall and a second end spaced apart from the second end wall. The first end wall, the second end wall, the lower wall and the upper wall together define a tubing storage cavity, with the space between the upper wall and the second end wall defining an inlet to the tubing storage cavity. The first end wall has a top surface, a bottom surface and a bore extending between said top surface and said bottom surface.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes a simply-structured device that permits a portion of a catheter tube or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suturing. A unitary retainer desirably includes a base connected to a cover assembly by way of flexible hinges. The retainer is attached to a flexible anchor pad including an adhesive bottom surface, which can be attached to the patient's skin. A catheter is secured within a channel formed between posts of the retainer. The cover assembly is reproducibly positioned over the base by bending the flexible hinges, and the cover assembly is latched to the base. The posts provide a universal feature such that the anchoring system can adapt to and receive a variety of catheters and catheter fittings by providing at least one post that is movable relative to at least one other post.

Abstract: System for the subcutaneous delivery into the body of a patient of a fluid from a remote vessel. The system includes a main assembly and placement member with a needle. A delivery tube for carrying the fluid is attached at a near end to the remote reservoir or vessel. At removed end, the delivery tube has a needle for engagement with the main assembly. The main assembly includes a rotating member that when the rotating is perpendicular to the main assembly, it will accept the handle and needle for emplacement of the body onto a patient. After the handle and needle are removed, the delivery tube can be attached to the rotating member which can then be rotated down to a position along to and adjacent the skin of the patient. This provides for a flush mounted infusion device.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a catheter to the body of an individual is disclosed, which includes a device-grasping mechanism and an anchoring mechanism. The device-grasping mechanism a housing in which a catheter or other medical device can be securely and rapidly attached or detached from the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism includes one or more arcuate needles attached to each other by means of a shaft. The arcuate needles are rotatably supported on the housing, and are locked into position when in the engaged and unengaged positions. The anchoring mechanism further includes portions in which the sharpened tips of the arcuate needles reside when in the engaged and unengaged positions in order to prevent injury to medical or other personnel.

Abstract: An improved medication infusion set is provided of the type having a soft cannula for subcutaneous delivery of a selected medication to a patient. The infusion set comprises a cannula housing having a soft cannula protruding therefrom and a self-sealing septum mounted at an upstream end of the cannula. The cannula housing is initially assembled with an insertion hub having an elongated insertion needle extending through the septum and cannula for transcutaneously placing the cannula followed by separation of the insertion hub from the cannula housing. An infusion hub is then assembled with the cannula housing and includes a short infusion needle for coupling the cannula with the selected medication supplied from a source via a length of infusion tubing.

Abstract: A needle or cylindrical element position lock includes a disposable template assembly having front and back templates halves which define an array of close-fitting through-holes to guide needles therethrough. A series of lock slides locks the positions of columns of needles positioned within the template. Each lock slide locks the position of one or more needles inserted into one or more series of the through- holes in the template, with a preferred embodiment locking two series of needles. Each lock slide has the capability of locking one or more series of needles inserted into through-holes in the needle guide template by an axial motion applied by a lock lever or cam. When the lock slide is moved axially, a locking function is provided by a wedge/clamp which engages an inserted needle. For a typical template arrangement, six lock slides are used to lock twelve columns of needles inserted into through-holes in the template assembly.

Abstract: A clamp for a tube having particular application to a nose trumpet for use with a transnasal TEE probe. The clamp includes a generally circular band for encircling the tube and a tongue disposed on one end of the band and a pair of jaws disposed on the other end. The tongue is adapted to penetrate the space between the pair of jaws. Teeth disposed on the upper surface of the tongue are adapted to mesh with teeth disposed on the lower surface of the upper jaw to prevent withdrawal of the tongue. A pair of handles extend outwardly away from the interior of the band and are adapted to be pushed toward one another to cause penetration of the tongue and into the jaws. An arm hinged to the band is affixed to the upper jaw and upon pivoting of the arm, the upper jaw is lifted away from the tongue to disengage the teeth.

Abstract: A suture-free clamp for sealing body tissue during introduction of medical devices, such as a cannula, aspirator, stent, endoscope, and pressure monitor. The clamp may be used in a patient's vascular tissues, such as the right atrium and the aorta. The clamp comprises a generally cone-shaped housing which includes a lumen for receiving a medical device, and a collar having a central opening for passage of a medical device, the collar connected to a proximal end of the housing by a plurality of struts. The proximal end of the housing and the collar each has an annular surface. The two surfaces are opposed, and are operable to clamp tissue therebetween, and to thereafter release the tissue by releasing the clamp. Methods are also disclosed for using the suture-free clamp for sealing body tissues during introduction of a medical device.

Abstract: A method for performing through-port off-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery is provided. A port device is positioned in the chest wall and directed as necessary. A heart stabilizer is coupled to the port, and operated to apply a compressive force against the heart wall surrounding a location of the required bypass such that the location is substantially immobilized. An instrument stabilizer includes a cannula which is inserted through a hole in the chest cavity, and the distal tip of the cannula is located adjacent the surgical site. The instrument stabilizer dampens movement of a surgical instrument, e.g., a scalpel or needle holder, extended therethrough. Once the bypass procedure is complete, the instruments, heart stabilizer, instrument stabilizers, and port are removed from the body of the patient.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tube and cable restraint comprising: a strip of flexible material having a generally elongated rectangular loop-section adapted to form a loop about the tube with an attachment means near the first end of the loop-section adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the strip to a surgical drape and a refastenable loop forming means adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the second end of the loop-section to the first end thereby forming a loop around the tube or cable. In another embodiment, the restraint is adapted to secure a tubular drape around a projecting object such as a microscope eyepiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for percutaneously placing gastrostomy tubes. The method enables percutaneous placement through an existing penetration, as well as placement where no penetration exists. The apparatus comprises a gastrostomy tube having an internal bolster which can be manipulated such that it has a reduced lateral extent; an axially-extending hollow sleeve which can surround the bolster to hold it in a position of reduced lateral extent; and a rip-cord capable of tearing the sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the internal bolster is folded to have a smaller diameter, the sleeve is placed over the bolster and shrunk down to a smaller diameter. The rip-cord runs distally along the outside of the tube, between the sleeve and the internal bolster, wraps over the distal end of the sleeve and runs proximally along the length of the tube. The replacement tube can then be pushed through a stoma.